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Group A: Workspace: 6-A-1: Social Networking and it's Importance for Successful Informal Learning

List the reasons why Group A thinks social networking is important for successful informal learning:

Toni Giordano

• With informal learning you learn it and apply it when you need it vs. formal learning where wisdom is poured into your head and you are expected to keep it there until you need it. Students may appreciate the relevance of informal learning through social networking more than a more formal way of learning.
• Virtual interaction frees students from reactions to their physical appearance or their spoken words, thus allowing introverts to voice their opinions.
• Through social networking, students can collaborate with each other as well as learn from boomers.
• The Net Generation loves instant messaging and social media that is informal and gives immediate responses.
• Collaboration gives students real-world experience as much of work life today is learned in an informal fashion.

Michelle Frock

• By using social networking sites, discussions can be documented in transcripts so that gamers can later refer to them to see thought processes, insights and problem-solving strategies that came from the chat.
• Social networking sites can provide discussions, documents, web links, announcements and directories that allow gamers to have world-wide instant access to information and ideas.
• Through interactions and conversations that take place on social networks, people build trust and relationships and become more comfortable reaching out to others for help, advice and ideas.
• Social networking provides small bits of information in quick/real time responses that fall right in line with gamer learning traits.

Jared Campbell

• Social networking sites, such as discussion forums, provide users with a wide variety of "community members" who can share their specific knowledge with others on as needed basis.
• They provide an opportunity for team members to collaborate and develop ideas together in a way that allows for everyone to participate, which does not always happen in a face to face setting.
• Social networking allows for professional relationships to be establish based on common interests and ideas.
• Users of social networking sites are able to receive quick feedback and support from their peers.
• They provide users with a casual approach to learning rather than a formal approach where learning tends to be scheduled.

Emily Hornickel

• Informal learning makes information available to everyone. For example, if someone is sharing what they've learned on a blog, they are also making that information easily accessible to someone else searching for that topic.
• Using IM as a method of informal learning allows students to see who they can communicate with instantly, at all times.
• In contrast to formal learning, students are not bored with informal learning. Informal learning is instantaneous and interactive.
• Students build confidence by sharing their thoughts in small groups or with a few peers rather than in front of a class.